Scandi hints

When it comes to stylish decor with a touch of soft and cosy, nothing surpasses effortlessly cool Scandi vibes, says Sam Wylie-harris

Sometimes, less is more – and if you’re hankering after a home that’s clean and serene yet also warm and inviting, Scandi style ticks all the right boxes. Nature-inspired colours that contrast with a monochrome scheme, soft greys, natural stone and timber all feature in Nordic interiors. Cosy textures, such as faux fur for an extra measure of warmth, which also hint at snug sleigh rides and oh-so cool rural retreats, are another vital ingredient – and we could all do with a snuggling up in comfort right now.

To tie it all together, a light, pale palette compensates for sparse daylight and helps create a welcoming, bright and soothing space.

Here are some tips to create a harmonious haven and channel some cosy Scandi style in your home this winter...

Wilko antler hurricane glass vase, £5, Wilko An inspired choice, it’s tempting to snap up two of these antler glass vases. Simply pop a tea light into each and place them either end of a kitchen or dining room table, or use them to bookend a winter white bouquet.

Made-to-measure real wood venetian blinds, from £64, Apollo Blinds, Auckland luxury faux fur sheepskin in white (on chair), from £44, The Rug Seller (other items part of room set)

One of the joys of white wooden blinds is not only do they look effortlessly stylish, but you can control light and shade, open up the space and introduce a polished, minimalist feel with just the tilt of a slat. Here, a woven rug and faux sheepskin throw complement an accent leather chair, and a neutral sofa’s warmed by a wooden floor lamp.

Wire storage baskets with handle – white or grey, £8 each; fresh vegetables storage tin, £10; metal worktop compost bin, £8, stackage wooden kitchen crate, £12, Matalan (other items from a selection)

A nifty idea to stop cooking utensils cluttering up your kitchen work surface, we love these storage baskets with carry handles (easy to lift when you’re wiping worktops clean and laying the table) to keep everything just so.

Alma large sideboard, £725, metal window mirror, £150, Next With no room for clutter, a large sideboard is your best storage solution. Knick-nacks are a no-no in the world of Scandi interiors, and once you’ve swept everything away (for the ultimate edit, you can always use packing cases as space savers and keep this sideboard for glass and tableware), chances are you’ll appreciate the simplicity of good workmanship.

*All prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability Dillon Droplet Pendants, from £50, Dillon LED Table Lamp, £40, Next Pendant lighting strikes just the right balance between utilitarian and chic design, especially these funky fixtures with spiral filament bulb.

Cosy fleece duvet cover and pillowcase set – dark mink, from £28-£58, Hartford Bed, from £575, Next Bedtime bliss courtesy of a functional fleece? Absolutely. Cuddling up in cosy bedding has never looked more inviting, especially when you factor in swatches of faux fur on the bedside table and underfoot, not to mention a bedframe upholstered in a muted wool blend.

Below: Tibetan sheepskin bench - mink, £695, The White Company Our object of desire... A masterful use of natural oak legs, topped with Tibetan sheepskin for the perfect silhouette. Versatile enough to suit minimalist room sets, you could always add a new dimension by placing the bench in front of a mid-century teak mirror, perhaps.

Isaac chaise armchair in canvas pure Belgian linen, from £1,140, Sofa.com When it’s time to put your feet up, this chaise armchair perfectly captures rustic Scandi decor, with its plain weave in soft grey, styled with a cosy woven cushion and wool throw.